Operations Manager

Located in the beautiful Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island is a vibrant, active rural community and a great place to live.

Surrounded by the Salish Sea, the area offers a year-round mild climate where the outdoor enthusiast can enjoy fishing, kayaking, sailing, hiking, soccer, tennis, and golf. Amenities and services include excellent elementary and secondary schools, a hospital, library, renowned arts and culinary options, and a wide range of health and wellness retreats. Greater Victoria and the Cowichan Valley are both just a short ferry ride away.

Our mission is “to provide potable water within the district's boundaries in an efficient and sustainable manner.” This encompasses residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional users or approximately 5,500 people within the District boundaries. We also operate five other regional district and improvement district water systems under contract.

Reporting to the District Manager, the Operations Manager manages all waterworks operations for that customer base, including water treatment plants, distribution systems, and related infrastructure.

May require some after hours work, and field work.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the District Manager, the Operations Manager is responsible for managing waterworks operations including water treatment plants, distribution systems, and related infrastructure. The Operations Manager will effectively lead a team of trained and experienced staff to ensure the safe and reliable operation and maintenance of the waterworks infrastructure. They will provide advice and support to the District Manager and Board of Trustees on operations, planning, design, engineering, construction, and asset management. They may be required to participate in public and Board of Trustees’ meetings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the water infrastructure including water treatment plants and distribution
• Leads and coordinates operations and the water quality program and ensures regulatory and other performance criteria are met.
• Works closely with the Waterworks Supervisor to ensure that plants and systems operates at peak performance.
• Supports staff in scheduling and prioritizing maintenance Evaluates and approves recommendations on complex operational situations as required.
• Monitors plant and system performance and communicates results internally and externally as required.
• Addresses problems and emergency situations and ensures ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manages the methods, Capital Program for infrastructure improvements, and Capital Projects
• Provides direction to the Senior Water Quality Lead to ensure compliance with Health Regulations, and facilitation of high quality and safe water production and distribution in the District and other contract districts as required.
• Works closely with the Waterworks Supervisor to determine overall priorities and establishes and enforces safe work plans, policies and operating procedures.
• Prepares the five-year capital Ensures operational interests are appropriately integrated.
• Ensures compliance with all Occupational Health and Safety requirements
• Reports to and works closely with the District Manager regarding human resource issues.
• Responsible for recruitment, hiring, evaluation, discipline and performance management in the operations department.
• Assists the Financial Officer in preparing the annual budget, strategic and financial plans, and monitors and controls spending ensuring the effective and efficient expenditure of allocated funds.
• Prepares the five-year capital
• Solicits input from the operators and other senior staff to develop, prioritize and approve annual and long-term budgets.
• Prepares monthly operations reports, invoices, and project budget estimates for several contract districts.
• Employs Asset Management principles to ensure the cost-effective operation, maintenance, and upgrade of District assets
• Prepares reports, investigations and studies related to the operation of District
• Liaises with Island Health, provincial government ministries, Capital Regional District, Islands Trust, improvement districts, company ratepayers, the general public, and others as needed

REQUIREMENTS

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or Water Treatment Technology or substantial equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of related experience in municipal waterworks
• 5+  years experience in a managerial role
• Ability to  establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials and other employees, and to meet and successfully serve the public on a continuing basis.
• leadership, management, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of WorkSafe BC regulations and relevant occupational health and safety practices.
• Thorough familiarity and proficiency with Microsoft Office, SCADA, Excel and an affinity to learn other software systems as required.
• Ability to review, assess engineered drawings submitted to the District in relation to development.
•  Experience with asset management, budget preparation and management, estimating, costing procedures and control.
• Ability to effectively read and interpret information, and present numerical data in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Considerable knowledge and background in project management and contract administration.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and satisfactory Driver’s Abstract and criminal record
• EOCP Level III (3) or higher certification in water treatment and water distribution preferred

WAGES AND BENEFITS

• This is a full-time permanent The current wage range for this position is $101,000 to $116,000 per year.
• Paid time off
• Sick Leave
• 100% dental
• Extended health care
• Employee and family assistance program
• $1000 health care spending account per year
• Employer health tax benefit
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• A biweekly RRSP contribution paid into a self-directed RRSP fund equal to 7% of your annual salary
• A biweekly deduction for LTD paid on your behalf
• A mobile phone supplied and paid for your work use only
• Training and associated costs, such as travel and accommodation, paid on your behalf
• Relocation assistance: the District is able to offer support by way of access to rental housing on Salt Spring Island.